Teachers in England have voted overwhelmingly to accept a 5.5% pay rise in a recent poll conducted by the National Education Union. The offer, which would provide schools with an additional £1.2 billion to cover the pay rise, received a 95% approval rate from the members who participated in the survey.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson wasted no time in launching the next pay round for 2025-26, urging the School Teachers’ Review Body to provide their recommendations promptly. In her letter to the STRB, Phillipson emphasized the importance of returning to a more timely annual pay process to assist school leaders in budget planning.
Phillipson also highlighted the government’s aim to promote more flexible working in the teaching profession to enhance recruitment and retention. She acknowledged the STRB’s call for more detailed equality, diversity, and inclusion data at a national level, committing to publishing pay and progression information based on protected characteristics.
Despite facing significant financial pressures amounting to £22 billion, Phillipson reassured that the government would continue to address wider issues affecting the teaching profession to elevate its status and improve recruitment and retention rates.
NEU general secretary Daniel Kebede welcomed the government’s early attention to teacher pay, emphasizing the need for further adjustments to ensure competitiveness and address teacher shortages. ASCL general secretary Pepe Di’Iasio echoed similar sentiments, stressing the importance of adequate funding in the upcoming budget to tackle the severe teacher shortage crisis.
The overwhelming acceptance of the pay rise signifies a positive step towards recognizing the valuable contribution of teachers in England. However, continued efforts will be necessary to address ongoing challenges and ensure a sustainable and competitive pay structure for educators across the country. Through collaboration between the government, education bodies, and stakeholders, the teaching profession can be strengthened, leading to improved outcomes for both teachers and students alike.
